בַּ֫עַל צְפוֹן (ba.al tse.phon)
ba.al tse.phon
Baal-zephon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Baal-zephon is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Egypt, situated near the Red Sea. The name translates literally to "lord of the north," combining the word for Baal with tsephon, meaning north. In the biblical narrative, this site serves as a critical landmark during the Exodus, marking the final encampment of the Israelites before they crossed the sea.
The text places this location strategically in view of Pharaoh’s forces. It is here that the Egyptian army catches up with the Israelites, leading to the dramatic confrontation described in Exodus 14 and referenced again in Numbers 33:7-8. The geographical detail emphasizes the trap set for the people, highlighting the magnitude of the subsequent divine intervention.
Occurring only three times in Scripture, all within the historical accounts of the Exodus journey, the word functions primarily as a setting for one of the most significant miracles in the Old Testament. Its presence anchors the story in a real place, underscoring the tangible nature of the deliverance that followed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Baal-zephon marks a place where hope seemed impossible. The Israelites stood trapped between Pharaoh’s advancing army and the sea, with no obvious way out. This location, meaning 'lord of the north,' was chosen by God to highlight human limitation. It reminds us that some situations in life offer no easy escape, only the need for trust.
When we face our own 'Baal-zephon' moments—those times when danger feels close and solutions seem absent—we are invited to pause. The story does not end with fear but with deliverance. God uses these tight corners to show His power, turning what looks like a trap into a path through the water.
This word anchors the Exodus in real geography, showing that faith is not abstract. It happened here, at this specific shore. Your struggles are also real, and so is the God who meets you there. You do not need to force a way out; you only need to stand still and watch Him work.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zephon3×
- Baal-3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּ֣עַל2×
- צְפֹֽן\׃1×
- צְפֹ֔ן1×
- צְפ֑וֹן1×
- בַּ֥עַל1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 14:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.
This verse establishes Baal-zephon as the strategic point of encampment that sets the stage for the divine confrontation.
-
Exodus 14:9
The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
Here the location confirms the Israelites were cornered, emphasizing the magnitude of the rescue that follows.
-
Numbers 33:7
They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon, and they encamped before Migdol.
This record verifies the geographical accuracy of the encampment, anchoring the miracle in historical reality.